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Cape Town - Premier Hotels & Resorts' group sales and marketing manager Grant Sandham says, while SA’s exchange rate has been advantageous for foreign tourists, it has put pressure on locals’ pockets.

This is leading to an increase in domestic leisure trips as opposed to international travel.

Several properties within the Premier Hotels & Resorts portfolio have noted this trend, with the number of local holidaymakers received in 2016 surpassing not only that of 2015, but also the number of international guests – a contrast to the norm in some cases.

Sandham believes the popularity of staycations will continue, particularly with South Africa teetering on the brink of a possible recession and belts having to be pulled even tighter.

However, he says there is a silver lining.

“With domestic tourism being the backbone of the industry, which contributes about 9% to the country's gross domestic product, the more people who opt for staycations, the greater the impact on the industry and, in turn, the economy,” he says.

He adds that, for him, the most significant benefit of staycations is that people get to discover gems hidden in their own backyard.

“South Africa encompasses everything from urban jungles, wildlife and deserts to beaches, mountains and forests, not to mention the cultural melting pot of people. Why would anyone want to go elsewhere?” he asks.